BLACKSBURG, Va. – Update:
“I was just thinking, ‘I don’t even think we’re going to make it to LewisGale.’”
A Blacksburg family had an unexpected surprise when their baby daughter, Olivia, decided to enter the world a little faster than expected.
“She said a few more things and I was just thinking, ‘I don’t even think we’re going to make it to LewisGale,” said Cam Hamden.
Wednesday, September 4th, seemed like a regular day for the Hamden family, but it soon turned out to be one that would change their lives.
“I started to feel some contractions, haven’t felt any prior to that so I called my mom,” said Lindsey Hamden.
“Probably two minutes after she hung up the phone with her mom she said ’no, it’s time to go, we got to go,’” added Cam Hamden, her husband.
They said that’s when they knew their baby was coming fast and they needed to get to the closest hospital, but they didn’t quite make it.
“So, when we turned off our street I told Cam, ‘we aren’t going to make it,” Lindsey said.
“So, I just pulled in there real quick, it was probably 7:50 [a.m.] at that point,” added Cam. “I immediately called 911.”
They waited in their car for emergency crews, but Blacksburg police officer, Lieutenant Sedrick Hayes was first to arrive, and just in time. The baby was already on the way.
“We keep saying this was best case scenario for worst case scenario,” Lindsey said.
“Lieutenant Hayes was incredible,” added Cam. “As soon as he walked up, I don’t even think she pushed and the baby came out. He caught her, it was unbelievable.”
I got to talk to Lieutenant Hayes about that incredible moment. He said it’s one he will remember forever.
“Yes, you cherish this,” Hayes said. “They always say that we need to leave our work at work, but this is one that comes home. This is one that you have conversations about.”
It wasn’t the birth they had planned, but their little girl is safe.
They said they are forever grateful to everyone who helped welcome their daughter into the world.
“Everyone was just incredible in making sure that baby and mom were safe,” Cam said.
After a few days at the hospital, they said they are back home and adjusting to their new life as a family of four.
Original Story:
Lt. Hayes with the Blacksburg Police Department went beyond his duties as an officer to help with a very special delivery last week.
It’s not every day that the police department gets a 911 call about a woman in labor en route to the hospital, but when they did, Hayes didn’t waste time jumping into action.
In a heartwarming moment like no other, Hayes was able to help the mom with the delivery of baby Olivia. The department said mom and baby are both doing well.
On Monday, Sept. 9, little Olivia, her big brother and her parents visited the police department to express their thanks and formally introduce themselves.